Colorado House passes firefighter union bill

DENVER—A bill enhancing labor rights for professional firefighters in Colorado passed in the Democrat-led House. The vote inches the party closer to a face-off with Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper.

The proposal passed Friday on a 35-28 vote with all Republicans in opposition and only one Democrat voting no.

The bill enhances the rights of professional firefighters to talk about working conditions, even if their communities have voted to ban their use of collective bargaining. Opponents say labor decisions should be a local-control issue.

The measure is a similar version of a proposal vetoed in 2009 by former Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter. Hickenlooper has also threatened to veto this year's version.

Both chambers must concur on changes to the bill before sending it to Hickenlooper.